A leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State, Alhaji Isa Rabiu, has called on former governor Nasir El-Rufai to exercise patience and allow a thorough investigation into his eight years in office.
This statement comes in light of recent claims made by El-Rufai, who asserted that he did not steal public funds during his tenure.
Rabiu made his comments during an interview with reporters in Kaduna on Wednesday, where he responded directly to El-Rufai’s claims.
The former governor had stated he was ready to swear on the Holy Quran to prove his innocence regarding allegations of corruption and financial misconduct.
In his response, Rabiu emphasized the importance of allowing the investigative process to unfold before making any definitive statements.
“Former governor El-Rufai should wait for the investigation to conclude before making any statements or swearing on what happened during his administration,” Rabiu said. He highlighted that swearing on the Quran does not substitute for accountability and transparency.
Rabiu recalled how El-Rufai had previously initiated a petition against former governor Senator Ahmed Makarfi, which led to an investigation into Makarfi’s administration. This history raised questions for Rabiu about El-Rufai’s motives and integrity. He stated, “It is vital that all leaders are held accountable for their actions, and El-Rufai should not be an exception. The same energy he used to pursue investigations against others should apply to himself now.”
Furthermore, Rabiu criticized El-Rufai’s character and governance style, suggesting that he lacks the necessary discipline and focus to govern effectively. “To be honest, from all indications, El-Rufai lacks the self-control and focus to do the right thing rather than merely swearing with the Holy Quran,” he said. Rabiu also pointed out that El-Rufai had fled the country during the administration of the late President Yar’Adua and returned only after the president’s passing in 2010, a move Rabiu interpreted as an act of political opportunism. “His past actions raise doubts about his commitment to the state and its people,” he added.
Rabiu’s remarks resonate with ongoing concerns regarding governance and accountability in Kaduna State. He urged the Kaduna State government to take proactive measures in investigating El-Rufai’s administration thoroughly. He called upon the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) to pursue any potential misconduct seriously. “It is crucial that any stolen funds are recovered to ensure the proper use of resources for the benefit of the citizens,” Rabiu asserted.
As public discussions continue, the focus remains on the integrity of leadership in Kaduna State and the need for transparency in governance. The outcome of any investigation into El-Rufai’s tenure could have significant implications for the political landscape in the region and for the trust the public places in its leaders.
